Electrode holder



March 1947. T. s. DONNELLY 2,417,547

ELECTRODE HOLDER Original Filed Nov. 21, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l r" 4/ iv... 40

IWEN'TOR Lil iii =11} K r L fi kha g March 18, 1947, T. s. DONNELLY ELECTRODE HOLDER Original Filed Nov. 21, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 llllll ZNVENT Patented Mar. 18, 1947 2,417,547 ELECTRODE HOLDER Thomas S. Donnelly, Detroit, Mich.

Original application November 21, 1941, Serial No. 419,946. Divided and. this application July 12, 1943, Serial No. 494,425

Claims.

This application constitutes a division of my co-pending application Serial No. 419,946, filed November 21, 1941.

My invention relates to a new and useful improvement in an electrode holder adapted primarily for use in arc welding. The type of holder referred to generally comprises metallic gripping members which serve to grip and hold the electrode while in use. These gripping members are provided with a spreading mechanism whereby the gripping members may be moved to nongripping position for reception of the wire or electrode, the gripping members ordinarily being spring-pressed to gripping or operating position. The structure is generally provided with a handle a radiating body intermediate the ends of the jaws is provided.

Another object of the invention is the provision in an electrode holder of a structure whereby the jaws may be utilized-for retaining a shielding member in mounted position thereon.

. oth objects will appear hereinafter.

. t is recognized that various modifications and changes may be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof and it 1 is intended that such shall be embraced within which is formed from suitable electrically-insulated material which is also to a certain degree heat-insulating. In the use of electrode holders, it is quite customary for the operator to frequently drag the holder by the cable to which it is attached, so that should the metallic part of the holder come into contact with a grounded body, a flash would result.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a holder so constructed and arranged that such a condition may be avoided.

It is another object of the invention to provide an electrode holder having an insulating handle provided with a member mounted therein and shielded thereby which may be attached to a conductor and to which the gripping members together with the spreading mechanism may be easily and quickly attached and from which the same may be easily detached.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an electrode holder having a pair of separable parts, one of which. is adapted for attachment to an electric conductor and the other of which is adapted for attachment to the gripping and spreading mechanism, so arranged and constructed that they'may be easily and quickly attached and detached and so. that when attached, an efficient electric connection between the two parts is effected.

Another ob ect of the invention is the provision in an electrode holder of a conductor-receiving portion detachably connected to a carrier for a gripping mechanism and so arranged as to prevent undue detachment therefrom.

.Another object of the invention is the provision in an electrode holder of a gripping mechanism embodying a pair of superimposed jaws-each of said jaws being formed of a plate-like structure and having intermediate its ends an enlarged portion so that the terminal portions of the jaw are smaller than the enlarged portion and thus the scope of the appended claims.

Forming a part of this specificationlare drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the invention with the handle removed and parts broken away and parts shown in section.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the invention with parts broken away and parts shown in section.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of a part of the invention with parts broken away and parts shown in section.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of one of the jaws or gripping members shown in the invention.

Fig. 5 is a. fragmentary view taken on line 5--5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 68 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a, view similar to Fig. 6 looking in the opposite direction.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view takenon line 8-8of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view, slightly enlarged, taken on line 99 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on line lill0 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of a slightly modified form of the invention with parts broken away and parts shown in section.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken on line 12-42 of Fig. 14.

' Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on line l3|3 of Fig. 14.

Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of a slightly modified form of the invention showing the parts in separated relation, parts being broken away and shown in section and other parts removed.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken on line l5 l5 of Fig. 16.'

Fig. '16 is a longitudinal'sectional fragmentary view showing a modified form of attachment.

Fig. 17 is a longitudinal central sectional view of a liner used in" the form shown in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken on line 18-48 of Fig-20.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken on line |9-|9 of Fi 20.

Fig. 20 is a side elevational view of a slightly modified form of the invention with parts broken away, parts removed, and parts shown in section, with a pair of separated parts.

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a modified form of the invention, with parts broken away and parts shown in section.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary sectional View taken on line 22-22 of Fig. 21.

In one form of the invention I have illustrated the holder as embodying a metallic retainer 21 having a pair of ton ues 28 and 29 projecting outwardly from the forward end in spaced relation from each other. A connect on head 3!! formed from metal is provided with a tubular portion 3| havin a well or socket 32 formed therein into wh ch is inserted and fastened the bared end 34 of the cable 35.

Projecting outwardly from the head 3|] is the threaded stud 36 which threads into the head 21. The end face 21' engages the end face 30 in sealing relation, these faces bein finished suffic ently smooth so that when the stud 36 is threaded into the member 21 a sufficiently close connection is made to form a locking engagement. In this way the parts 21 and 30 are connected together detachably and a highly efficient electrical connection bet een the parts is afforded.

Formed through the member 30 is a passage 38 wh ch is counte bored at its oppo ite end to provide a recess. Lining the passage 38 is a tube 39 of electrical insulatin material. such as fiber or the like. the ends of this tube 39 being upset into t e counterbore recesses so t at the ube is permanently fastened on the member 30 and serves as an insulating member. En agin at their butt ends between the ton ues 28 and 29 are gr nning members or jaws 40 w ch are of plate-like construction and each of which is provided i termediate its ends with the outwardly extending win s 4| to provide an intermediate enl rged portion proceedin from which is the reduced terminal portion 45 which engages between the tongues 28 and 29. A suitable screw 44 is pro ected through the tongue 28 and through the butt portions of the gripping members 48 and threaded into the tongue 25 so that the parts are secured in position. i

In the form il ustrated in Fig. 1, I have indicated a shield 46 which is provided with a slot 41 which accommodates a trigger which operates the jaw-spreading mechanism 48. This jawspreading mechanism 48 is in the form of a stirrup and is positioned with its base between the jaws 40 so that upon a rocking of the stirrup the jaws will be sprung apart into position for receiving a wire which is to be gripped therebetween. Pro ecting outwardly from this stirrup is the metallic handle 49 covered by tube 50 of insulating material. Upon downward rocking of the handle 49 the stirrup will be rocked to spring the jaws apart and in this downward rocking movement the handle will engage in the slot 41 formed in the shield 46. As clearly shown in Fig. 1 this shield is abutted against the end faces of the tongues 28 and 29 and as shown in Fig. 2 against the end face of the handle "The shield is retained in position through engagement with the end faces of the wings 4|.

Positioned over the heads 21 and 30 is a handle 5| of suitable insulating material, such as fiber or the like. Formed on the barrel 3| are the spacers or engagement bosses 33 which Serve to engage the inner surface of the handle 5| and form a bearing therefor. This handle is held in position by means of the structure 6| which is threaded into the nut-forming screw portion 60. It will be noted that the screw is insulated from the head 30 through which it is projected.

The construction is such that the jaw retainer 21 together with the jaws attached thereto may be retained ofi of the stud 36 so that the handle 5| with the head 30 and its connected parts would remain in the form shown in Fig. 3. It will be noted that the metallic parts are fully enclosed by the handle iii so that when the operator has removed the jaw retainer with the jaws assembled thereon, the cable 35 may be dragged over a grounded metallic part without any danger of causing a flash through contacting a live metallic part. This feature is a distinct advantage in an electrode holder inasmuch as it permits the operator to drag the cable over a live metallic body and also permits the operator to leave the point of work without having the current on the cable 35 turned 01f.

The wings 4|, in addition to serving as a means for retaining the shield 46 in position, also serve as radiating elements for radiating the heat 50 that the butt portion 45 or the jaws is thus prevented irom heating excessively. In use, when the electrode is being burned, tremendous heat is developed and this is conducted through the electrode to the gripping members or jaws 4i! and heat also is conducted to these members by radiation. As this heat travels rearwardly on the gripping members or jaws and reaches the enlarged portion at which the wings 4! are formed,

the heat is spread over large areas with the result that the butt portions 45 of the jaws are retained considerably cooler than the forward end of the jaws. This serves to retain the handle in a cool condition as less heat is conducted to the jaw retainer.

In Fig. 8 I have illustrated a slightly different form of construction in which the jaw retainer is provided with sockets 55 in which are positioned balls 5? normally pressed outwardly by spring 58. These balls are adapted to engage the spaced-apart pockets or recesses 55 formed on the face of the head 9-9 so that when the parts are screwed into their operable position, an undue disengagement of these parts is resisted.

In Fig. 11 I have shown an adaptation of the invention to a slightly different form of holder which is commonly known as the tong type. In this type of holder a pair of gripping jaws and 64 are pivoted together, the jaw 64 forming a continuation of the shank 63 and the pressure member 66 forming a continuation of the jaw 65. The members 63 and 66 are spaced apart by the spring 61. Formed on the end of the shank 63 is a head Bil having a threaded socket 69 formed therein for reception of the stud 10 which projects outwardly from the head H in which i formed the passage 12 which is lined by the insulating member 13. Extending rearwardly of this head 'II is a barrel T4 for receiving he bared end of the cable '15 over which is positioned the handle 1'6 formed from suitable insulating material. All of the advantages referred to in the form illustrated in Fig. 1 are present in the form shown in Fig. 11.

In Fig. 14 I have shown a further modified form in which the shank TI is provided with ahead l8 corresponding to the head 68 of Fig. 11 or the head 2'! of Fig. 1. In this head which is formed hollow, are provided bayonet slots 19. The male head 35, corresponding to the head 30 of Fig. l

or the head '!I of Fig. 11, is insertable into the head 18 and carries the balls 8| which are seated in sockets 82 and pressed outwardly by the springs 83. In this manner the head 80 which carries the part 86 and the spacers 85 may be detachably connected to the head 18, the cable 81 being secured in the well 84.

In Fig. 16 I have shown a slightly modified form of construction in which the head 21 is provided with the insulating liner 38. Inserted in this insulating liner is a metallic tube 62 which is internally threaded and internally cut away in its opposite ends as at 63, the tube being upset at its opposite ends over the upset ends of the insulated tube 38. ends of the insulated tube 38 extend beyond the periphery of the upset ends 63 of the tube 62. In thi way I have mounted a threaded sleeve in the head 21 into which the screws 229 may be threaded, thus using two separate screws for threading into the tube 62.

In Fig. 20 I have illustrated a shank 88 carrying a head 89 projecting outwarly from which are prongs 90 adapted to engage in recesses or sockets 92 formed in the head 9!. This head 9| carries a portion 93 through which the attachment means would be projected. Extending rearwardly from the portion 93 is the barrel 94 having the spacing elements 95 and adapted for the reception of the cable 96. This connection is in the nature of a plug in projection and the taper of the prongs 90 and the sockets 92 assures a tight and snug engagement to afiord an electrical contact.

In Figs. 21 and 22 I have shown a slightly different form of construction in which the handle comprises a rear portion 91 and a forward portion 98, these portions being cut away as at 98 and I and overlapped. The forward portion 98 is provided with a slot I02 through which is projected the lever I03 having the forward end I04 engageable in a slot I05 formed in the upper jaw. The intermediate portion of the forward end of the lever engaging the rib I 06 is positioned forwardly of a slot I00. Formed in the lower jaw is a slot I01 to provide the necesary clearance.

Extendin outwardly from opposite sides of the lever I03 is a trunnion I08 engageable with the prongs I09 and H0 extending forwardly from the plate spring l I I which is secured to the upper jaw. These jaws are engaged at their butt ends between the tongues 28 and 29 which extend forwardly from the head 2'! corresponding to the head 21 of Fig. 1. This head 21 is provided With a threaded socket for receiving a stud projecting forwardly from head 30', this head 30' carrying the spacing members 3' and the well 3| for reception of the cable 34'. Since the trunnion I03 projects through the slot I02 it is necessary that the forward end 98 of the handle be capable of rotating with the jaw retaining member and thus it becomes possible to remove the jaw retaining member together with the tube 98, leaving the remaining parts in the position as shown clearly in Fig. 3.

In this manner I have provided an electrode holder in which the various features referred to are obtained and whereby a shorting or arc through contacting a live body is reduced to a minimum. In this manner, also, I have provided a holder so constructed and arranged that the handle is retained considerably cooler than with conventional designs.

It will be noted that the upset What I claim as new is:

1. An electrode holder jaw comprising an elongated, plate-like gripping member; and lateral wings proje ig outwardly from and beyond opposite sides of said gripping member intermediate its ends.

2. In an electrode holder of the class described, a shank-forming portion; an. electrode gripping mechanism carried by and projecting forwardly from shank-forming portion; a shield embracing said gripping mechanism; and lateral projections on said gripping mechanism and extending beyond opposite sides thereof and engaging and abutting against one face of said shield.

3. The combination in an electrode holder of the class described, comprising insulating handle; a shank-forming member adapted for attachment to an electric conductor and positioned within said handle, said handle projecting at its opposite ends beyond said shank-forming portion; means for securing said shank-forming portion in said handle and insulated from said shank-forming portion; a jaw retainer; jaws carried by and extended forwardly of said retainer for clamping an electrode positioned therebetween; a spreading mechanism for spreading said jaws apart; said jaws being normally spring pressed into clamping relation; and non-resilient means interengaging said retainer and said shank-forming portion for securing the same in closely thrust engagement.

4. In an electrode holder of the class described. an insulating handle; a shank-forming portion adapted for attachment to an electric conductor and positioned within said handle, said handle projecting at its opposite ends beyond said shank-forming portion for entirely enclosing the same; means for securing said shank-forming portion within said handle and insulated from said shank-forming portion; a, jaw retainer insertable within said handle; non-resilient interengaging means on said retainer and said shankforming portion for detachably connecting said retainer and said shank-forming portion together; electrode clamping jaws carried by and extended forwardly of said retainer; and spreading mechanism for spreading said jaws apart.

5. In an electrode holder of the class described, a shank-forming member adapted for attachment to an electric conductor; a jaw-carrying member; means for detachably connecting said jaw-carrying member and said shank-forming portion; a plurality of spring pressed members carried by said shank-forming portion and engageable in recesses formed in said jaw-carrying member for resisting relative movements of said jaw-carrying member and said shank-forming portion.

THOMAS S. DO'NNELLY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,462,620 Peeler July 24, 1923 1,551,729 Burns Sept. 1, 1925 1,726,624 Lawson Sept. 3, 1929 1,730,397 Waglie Oct. 8, 1929 2,176,137 Jurkat Oct. 17, 1939 1,811,156 Sadler June 23, 1931 2,034,695 Dougherty Mar. 24, 1936 

